Socca: A Flat Bread Recipe

Although this batch of socca is fresh from my Brooklyn oven, it’s origins are in Southern France. Socca (faranita) is a crépe made with chickpea flour, it’s  similar to the savory Indian “chila,” but much less complicated. Bean flours are a good alternative to wheat flour — very high in protein and fiber. In Nice, freshly baked socca is sold in open markets by street vendors stuffed with savory things like goat cheese and potatoes — best eaten while it’s hot. You can get all the ingredients at your local grocery store. I’ve found that Indian Besan has a much finer mill than Bob’s Red Mill, it makes a very smooth, thin batter. A round cast iron griddle works best in the oven, but I just used my large skillet.

You’ll need:
1 1/2 c. chickpea flour
1 1/2 c. water
2 tbs olive oil
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tbs onion powder
1/4 tsp cumin
12″ cast iron griddle (or pan)
oven set at 400°

Batter up! Mix all ingredients in a bowl and whisk for about 5 minutes. Cover and set aside for at least two hours at room temperature, then put it in the refrigerator for another four hours. I’ve found that the batter improves in texture and flavor if you allow it to sit for a day. You can keep the batter refrigerated in a covered container for up to three days. It should be as thin as eggnog. If it’s too thick, mix in a little water before cooking.

Preheat your oven to 400°. Heat griddle and coat  evenly with a little olive oil. Pour about 3/4 cup of batter onto the griddle, tilting it back and forth to distribute the batter evenly over the entire the surface. Place it in the oven to cook for 15 to 2o minutes, but do check in 10 minutes. Use a spatula to loosen the socca’s edges from the griddle, then flip it over and see if it’s browned evenly. The “pan side” is the presentation side. Put it back into the oven for another five minutes if it’s not done, then set it aside to cool. Check your oven thermometer first, if the temperature goes above °400, let it cool down before you make a new batch.

Socca should be thin and soft with crisp edges. You can serve them individually or cut them into smaller pieces. They are best eaten fresh and hot — socca has a subtle sweetness that is perishable. Wrap some ham or scrambled eggs in your first batch of socca.